(BSS) - The government today approved a proposal to procure 10,000 metric tons (MT) of lentils at a total cost of Tk 82.54 crore to help stabilize market prices and ensure an uninterrupted supply of the essential commodity across the country.

The approval came at the 26th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) for the year, held at the Bangladesh Secretariat with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair.

According to officials, the lentils will be purchased at a rate of Tk 82.54 per kilogram.

The total quantity of 10,000 MT will be supplied in 50-kilogram bags to facilitate storage and distribution.

The proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Commerce.

Following an open tender process, the contract was awarded to Nabil Naba Foods Ltd., located at Nabil Industrial Park in Verapora Bazar, Daokhandi, Poba, Rajshahi.

Officials said the procurement is part of the government`s efforts to maintain adequate stocks of essential commodities, curb excessive price volatility, and safeguard consumer interests.